Transformative Books That Reshaped My University Experience

During my time in university, an anthology provided me with several literary gems, one of which was Dorothy Parker's poem "Resume." Despite being aware of the struggles many authors faced, including suicide, I found the poem to be enthralling and, over two decades later, it still impacts me greatly. This fascination stemmed from the poem's powerful and enduring nature, reflecting a connection I have always had with literature.

I’ve long harbored a deep passion for literature, which began in my childhood. Regular engagement with books has not only broadened my vocabulary but also significantly influenced my perspective and mindset. According to studies, an average reader possesses a vocabulary that is 33% larger than that of a non-reader, highlighting just how impactful literature can be.

However, it was during my university years that I truly began to delve into books that genuinely mattered. One such book that completely transformed my life was The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma. This self-help literary masterpiece doesn't just tell you about what to do in life, but also how to accomplish these things effectively.

The 7 Elements of Transformative Change

Sharma elucidates the 7 Elements of Life, each of which can profoundly alter your habits, ideas, and perspectives. If you're considering a significant lifestyle change, such as starting a new routine like running every morning, the book offers a 21-Day Routine method to help you integrate these habits seamlessly into your life. Initially, the transition may seem challenging, but once it's a part of your routine, you'll experience lasting changes in your confidence and habits.

The Mind: A Garden Metaphor

The book uses a garden metaphor to describe your mind, asking a compelling question: Would you willingly harm your garden by destroying grass or flowers or littering it with garbage? The response is a resounding no. However, when it comes to our internal landscapes, we often fill our minds with negative emotions like fear, fatigue, jealousy, or violence, even though we don't do the same to our external gardens. Sharma underscores that 'fatigue is merely a creation of our minds.' When I feel tired, frustrated, or inclined to give up, a particular quote from the book, 'Fatigue is nothing but a creation of one’s mind,' comes to mind, motivating me to get back on track.

Living in the Present

To combat fatigue, the book emphasizes the importance of staying in the present and moving past past difficulties. A key practice is to remember that over 80% of the thoughts we have today are repeated from previous days. Cultivating positive thinking and understanding the power of the present moment can lead to significant changes. For example, if you feel that you didn’t get enough sleep or that today was a difficult day, use the quote to remind yourself to stay present and continue your work.

The book goes on to encourage self-reflection, urging readers to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and objectives to lead a more meaningful life. Keeping a diary can be an excellent tool for this self-assessment. Beyond personal growth, the book emphasizes the importance of giving back to society. Simple actions, such as making someone smile, can have a profound impact. These thought-provoking yet straightforward questions highlight the pivotal role of conscious living and sharing knowledge.

The book is structured as a dialogue between an accomplished, but troubled, American lawyer and a respected monk, sharing his wisdom from his experience in the Himalayas. While the monk's journey is symbolic and not a call to leave everything behind, the book advocates for sharing one's knowledge with others, much like how I share my views and experiences on Quora. This aligns with the book’s essence, which is all about imparting valuable knowledge and helping others in their quest for fulfillment.

Perhaps the reason for my current passion for sharing knowledge through various platforms is to help others in their journey towards self-improvement and finding their life's purpose. Therefore, I implore you: Keep sharing your views, ideas, and knowledge if you believe it can make a positive impact on someone's life. Don’t keep it to yourself!

There are many other valuable lessons to be learned from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Reading this book can offer new insights and transformative experiences. Please share your thoughts on the book in the comments section!